Khaya Smith and ETC HQ (Khaya means home)

View of the Smith's house from the other side of the pool. Don't worry Lori I haven't gone swimming yet as contrary to popular belief it is winter here in the southern Hemisphere. I am sure that once it gets above high 60s/low 70s we will go swimming. I say contrary because the obnoxious US announcers during the World Cup, a few weeks ago, when thinking ahead to the 2010 World Cup that will be here in South Africa said how hot it would be during the World Cup. They were saying this as it was rather hot throughout this year’s tourney which was in Germany. This just goes to show you that “Africa hot” is not only a silly and overused phrase but also one that is not always right all of the time. Yes, it is probably really hot in other parts of Africa right now but not here in the south at least. Today, in fact at just before 9 AM it is 34°F so it is just above 1°C or freezing. In fact the fountain outside has a thin layer of ice on top. Definitely colder than I ever remember it getting in Mozambique even at night.

View of the ETC office which is located to the north of the Smith's house. Looking at this photo you can just imagine the Smith's house to the left of the office. Behind me when I took this photo was the top gate/entryway to the grounds. I live upstairs in a loft in the office and will take photos of the inside one of these days and post them as well.

This picture was taken in front of the office with Linzi's door to the right looking at the back of the Smith's house.

Taken from the front of the house looking at the lovely lemon tree that supplies us with fresh lemons.

Porch at the front of the Smith’s house where Ben, Doug and I played darts this past Friday at lunch. I will take a photo of us this coming Friday if we have time to play.

These spikes cover the walls going all around the house to keep intruders out or maybe just to keep me inJ This is nothing compared to the razor wire or electrified fences at other houses.

Doug’s precious fountain which today had a layer of thin ice over the middle and top parts I guess it was not cold enough to start freezing over the large section at the bottom. It also had small gold fish in it for a day or two prior to the birds eating them.

Finally, a nice image to leave you with. This is Willow or Willy the family cat who spends the day seeking warm places to sleep such as the front office window when sun is coming in, my bed or the couch in the house nearest to the electrical heater. When I was taking photos she was following me around looking for attention.